Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by More Nick on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $10.02 total, $2.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Tenderloins (skinless, boneless)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (full‑fat for best tenderness)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky depth)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher salt)
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten)
  • 0.25 cup Potato Starch (helps create extra crunch)
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Japanese style breadcrumbs)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for sauce)
  • 2 cloves Roasted Garlic (soft, mashed)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (regular)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano (optional, adds herb flavor)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil for deep frying)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken

    Place the chicken tenderloins in a mixing bowl, pour the buttermilk over them, add smoked paprika and a pinch of salt, then toss until every piece is fully coated. Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prepare Dredge

    In a shallow dish combine the flour, potato starch, panko breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl beat the egg.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Coat Chicken

    Remove each tender from the buttermilk, dip it into the beaten egg, then roll it in the dredge mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres. Arrange coated pieces on a clean plate.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Fry Chicken

    Heat the vegetable oil in the frying pan to 350°F (180°C). Fry the chicken in batches, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3‑4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sauce

    In a saucepan melt the butter over medium heat, add the mashed roasted garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and oregano. Cook, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and glossy, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce

    Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl, pour the garlic‑Parmesan sauce over them, and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Recipe by More Nick

Crispy chicken tenders coated in a crunchy panko‑potato starch blend, then tossed in a rich garlic‑Parmesan sauce with mayo and oregano. Perfect for a comforting dinner or snack.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.02
Total cost
$2.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinate the chicken long enough for flavor and tenderness.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for a crisp, non‑greasy coating.
  • Coat the chicken evenly and press the dredge onto the surface.
  • Do not over‑cook the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Make the sauce just before serving to keep the tenders crunchy.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use tongs and keep a lid nearby.
  • Never leave raw chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken tenders in American cuisine?

A

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips, became popular in the United States during the fast‑food boom of the 1970s and 1980s, offering a convenient, bite‑size protein that could be fried quickly and served with a variety of dipping sauces.

cultural
Q

How do regional variations of fried chicken in the United States differ from this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe?

A

Southern fried chicken often uses a seasoned flour batter and buttermilk soak, while this recipe adds potato starch, panko, and a garlic‑Parmesan mayo sauce, giving it a lighter crunch and a richer, cheesy flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Crispy chicken tenders are a staple at casual gatherings such as family game nights, sports parties, picnics, and kid‑friendly celebrations, where they serve as a crowd‑pleasing finger food.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders?

A

They pair beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

What makes Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders special or unique in American fried‑chicken cuisine?

A

The combination of a panko‑potato starch coating for extra crunch, a buttery garlic‑Parmesan mayo sauce, and the aromatic oregano creates a richer, cheese‑forward flavor that sets this dish apart from standard fried chicken strips.

cultural
Q

How has the recipe for chicken tenders evolved over time in the United States?

A

Originally simple breaded strips, modern recipes now experiment with diverse coatings (panko, cornflakes, nuts) and sauces (sriracha mayo, honey mustard, garlic‑Parmesan) to cater to evolving taste preferences and dietary trends.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about making crispy chicken tenders at home?

A

Many think deep‑frying automatically yields crispness, but temperature control, a dry coating, and a proper dredge mixture (including starches) are essential for a truly crunchy result.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders?

A

Common errors include using oil that’s not hot enough, overcrowding the pan, and not patting the chicken dry before coating. Each of these leads to soggy, unevenly cooked tenders.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use potato starch and panko instead of just flour for the coating?

A

Potato starch absorbs less oil and creates a lighter, crispier texture, while panko adds a airy crunch. Together they give the tenders a superior crunch compared to a plain flour coating.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes, often featuring quick techniques, bold flavors, and step‑by‑step visual guides for everyday cooks.

channel

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